Don,

Check your alternator belt tension/ Most likely culprit.

Then again, check all your belts, but I would bet it the Alternator belt.

Sometimes, even after tightening the belts, there is a little squeal or
squeak on cold days, or you can hear the belts a bit more on cold days
even  after they have warmed up. To remedy that, press a parrifin block
against the pulley side of the belt. It won't make the belt slip, but
eases the tendency to squeak or squeal. Bar soap can be used but
parrafin makes a better dressing for the rubber in the belt. Don't waste
your money on those commercial de-squealers. Not worth it.

Watch your fingers when applying the block, and beware of loose clothes.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Don Williams wrote:

> My 85 westy screeches when starting for about 5 seconds and then never
> makes the sound again.  Is this waterpump-----I just replaced the sucker
> about a year ago?  Probably got one of those units that fail at a high
> rate.
> How can I check this out?
> Don
>
>